Maritza and Michael

How We Met

Michael and I met through our mutual friends in college. We were at a friend’s party, to be exact. We talked the entire night and were amazed at how much we had in common. We instantly clicked, and I knew I wanted to see him again. After months of dating, we finally decided to call it official.

When graduation came around, Michael ended up moving out of state. I still had another year left of school, and I never thought I’d be in a long distance relationship. Despite the odds, we made it work and took turns making trips to see each other about once a month.

Now, we had been living together for about a year in Salt Lake City. I hoped it was coming… I just didn’t know when.

how they asked

During our vacation in the Dominican Republic, we took a catamaran boat to Isla Saona—a beautiful island south of Punta Cana.

We were walking along the beach when one of the locals approached us and offered to take some photos of us. Surprisingly, Michael insisted. After a lot of cheesy poses, the photographer said he wanted to take a few of me while Michael grabbed himself a drink.

When we were all done, the photographer walked me to the bar, ordered me a beer and told me to wait… I was starting to wonder where Michael was when the photographer told me to follow him.

We walked up to a group of people standing with their back to me and I figured they were taking a group picture. Then, I spotted Michael standing in front—the look on his face made me realize what was happening.

When they turned around, their t-shirts read, “Will You Marry Me?” and the rest was kind of a blur… All I know is that Michael mumbled something to me and I couldn’t stop ugly crying.

I said yes, and I couldn’t be more excited or lucky to spend the rest of my life with this man.